Labour Force

SouthGrow's population has been steadily increasing, creating stability in the region. SouthGrow's demographics point to a young and vibrant population. According to Statistics Canada and Alberta Advanced Education, over half of SouthGrow's population over the age of 20 has some post-secondary qualifications or is in the process of attaining them. In terms of post-secondary education, the top three areas of qualifications are engineering and applied science technology and trades; commerce, management and business administration; and health sciences and technologies. The region has a young and ready supply of trained labour force that can help employers in the region. The unemployment rate in the region in 2006 was 4.2% compared to 5.0% in 2001 (Statistics Canada, 2006 & 2001). SouthGrow's labour force is shifting towards greater participation in Health Care and Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Agriculture and Forestry, all areas signaling growth in the region.

Annual Labour Force Characteristics

2006

2016

Population: 15+ (000s)

102.4

156.5

Labour Force: 15+ (000s)

70.7

93.4

Employment: 15+ (000s)

67.8

65.4

Unemployment: 15+ (000s)

2.9

2.8

Participation Rate: 15+ (%)

69

70

Unemployment Rate: 15+ (%)

4.2

5

Employment Rate: 15+ (%)

66.2

64.6

Participation Rate - Age Group: 15 - 24 (%)

73.2

70.2

Unemployment Rate - Age Group: 15 - 24 (%)

7.1

10.2

Employment Rate - Age Group: 15 - 24 (%)

68

63.1

Source: Statistics Canada Census, 2001 and 2006

Statistics Canada cautions the reader that the regional labour force data may be subject to large year-to-year fluctuations, especially for the smaller regions, for the following reasons. First, there are no population control totals for special geographies such as these regions. Second, some of the smaller regions have small sample size, leading to greater volatility in the estimates. Third, Statistics Canada periodically redesigns its survey methodology; the latest redesign was done in 2005. Because of these data problems, Census data for 2001 and 2006 were used for all indicators for the smaller regions, and data for these indicators for the other years are not included.